Everything You Need To Know About Invisalign

How Fast Will My Invisalign Treatment Work?

There’s a reason people want straighter teeth. It’s been well documented in studies that, whether it’s fair or not, people associate straight, beautiful teeth with intelligence, attractiveness, and happiness. Straighter teeth often open the door to greater self-confidence as a result. Over the past several decades, the field of orthodontics has pushed ahead at lightning speed — people can now opt for Invisalign, a nearly “invisible” orthodontic procedure. But how long does it take? Here’s what you need to know.

On Average:

With regular usage, teeth can usually move at a rate of about .4mm per month. For the average adult, this results in about 12 months worth of treatments, with aligners getting switched out every two weeks (don’t worry, you can do it yourself. Dentist visits only need to happen every four to six weeks). While this might sound like a long time, traditional braces can often take longer (and are far more visible!). The major advantage to Invisalign is, of course, that it’s discreet.

A Full 22 Hours a Day

Following the dentist’s recommended schedule ensures that the process proceeds as quickly as is safely possible. Most orthodontists will recommend a wear schedule of 22 hours each day (leaving enough time out to eat, and clean your teeth). If you only wear your Invisalign during your waking hours, for example, you can expect the process to take longer.

Opt for AcceleDent

A new appliance called AcceleDent is helping some patients speed up their treatment time by up to 50%. AcceleDent, used in tandem with Invisalign, is a mouthpiece that uses calibrated micropulses and vibrations to stimulate teeth movement. Unlike braces or Invisalign, it’s a device that needs to be inserted into the mouth for about twenty minutes each day.

What Happens After?

Most dentists will recommend wearing a nighttime retainer once you’ve finished active treatment. This is because the bones of your jaw and your teeth themselves will want to drift back to their old position; wearing a retainer helps to train your muscles and keeps teeth in their desired location.

Many adults and teens are now opting for the Invisalign procedure, as a less visible way to finally have beautiful, straight teeth. For more information on what your timeline would look like, contact the dental experts at South Boston Family Dental today with any questions or to schedule a consultation contact us on our website or give us a call at 617-268-5638.